Project Reports

SARE's mission is to advance–to the whole of American agriculture–innovations that improve profitability, stewardship and quality of life by investing in groundbreaking research and education.
SARE's vision is...

Farmer field school approach to increasing cover crop adoption in Iowa and Minnesota

Farmer field school approach to increasing cover crop adoption in Iowa and Minnesota

Summary/Abstract

Farmer field school approach to increasing cover crop adoption in Iowa and Minnesota. Our project aims to increase adoption of cover crops and support the transition toward more continuous living cover. We will also develop a decision-making tool for farmers to use when choosing a cover crop species.
Cover crops are a useful management tool for enhancing the sustainability of annual cropping systems. A wealth of information exists about the benefits, challenges and production recommendations for using cover crops. But even with this knowledge lack of adoption is prevalent. This project will disseminate information to farmers and key participants through farmer field schools with hands on experience and practice with the crop, field days and workshops to tell neighbors about cover crops. We will also incorporate farmers wealth of on-farm knowledge into a decision-making tool which will provide information for farmers in the entire NCR-SARE area. This work will be evaluated through feedback surveys, number of attendees, number of farmer inquiries about cover crops, increased number of acres and increased awareness and knowledge of cover crops by key audience participants. This campaign will give farmers the opportunity to be leaders in disseminating this information to others and relies on a proven method of learning through farmer to farmer networking.

Objectives/Performance Targets

If we are successful we will see increased acreage of cover crops in annual cropping systems in Iowa and Minnesota. This will improve water quality, soil quality and potentially reduce use of fertilizers over time. In addition farmers will be empowered through this process to convey knowledge they learn or know from conducting on-farm research and demonstration projects. Increased awareness by farmers and resource personal and usage of cover crops will be our measure of success.

This project and all associated reports and support materials were supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed within do not necessarily reflect the view of the SARE program or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

1122 Patapsco Building | University of Maryland | College Park, MD 20742-6715

This Web site is maintained by the national outreach office of the SARE program, supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture.